SailingKnitter

So, what is the pig-etiquette when meeting Mr. Pig along the open road-stead? As Jonesy and I took a walk through the rubber tree plantation nearby we were intercepted by this hog who came grunting and snorting out of the undergrowth. We stopped in our tracks, unsure of how to proceed.

Now, this isn't a wild pig, but is the future cash income from one of the villagers down the road. We know how to deal with wandering dogs, cats, iguanas, etc. But how do you deal with a hog on walkabout? Do you simply pass him? Nope. When we resumed walking, Mr. Pig faced us and grunted what we thought was perhaps an aggressive warning. After a minute of our pig versus humans stand-off, Mr. Pig turned towards the village down the road and trotted off.

Unfortunately, that was the same direction we were walking - going back to the marina and the boat. So we dropped our pace and followed him at a safe distance until he turned into a family compound and mingled among the barefoot children, skinny dogs, and chickens.

You know how I prefer Mr. Pig? Roasted in a deep pit which is exactly what happens here at the Marina several times a year. This last time was in celebration of Guatemala's Independence Day. Here are some of the staff wrapping up our pig in aluminum foil and banana leaves the night before we eat.

The fire in the pit has heated the tray of water to boiling (to eliminate flare ups due to dripping grease). After a final wrap of banana leaves, the future feast is lowered into the pit. The beast will be turned a couple of times over the night and will be ready by mid-day the next day.

Earlier in the day, my new young friend Gia and I made a visit to the pig while he was being prepared in the kitchen. Looks like the head isn't included in these pig roasts like they are in Hawaii for the luau pigs. Gia wondered where his head went. He was beheaded! But still a lovely pig don't you think?
Not only did we have this pig, but later during the roasting some chickens were added and some extra succulent ribs. The feast was incredible and the house was packed with piggies of the human kind. We were all successful omnivores and munched away on these meats, corn on the cob and coleslaw.

So, villagers please keep growing these creatures for us and we'll do our best not to disturb them while they forage.